Constant scam and nuisance calls aren’t just inconvenient—they can take a serious toll on mental health. For many older adults in the UK, repeated scam attempts create anxiety, loss of confidence, and even fear of answering the phone.
This blog explores the emotional effects of constant scam calls and how a simple solution—installing a landline call blocker—can help restore peace of mind.
How Common Are Scam Calls in the UK?
Scam calls remain one of the most persistent forms of fraud in the UK. According to Action Fraud, people lost over £1.2 billion to scams in 2024, with landline calls being a top method used by criminals.
Older adults are particularly at risk:
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Many still rely on landlines as their main form of communication.
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They may be more trusting of official-sounding voices.
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Scammers exploit politeness and routine to manipulate victims.
A 2025 survey by Age UK found that one in four seniors receive at least one scam or nuisance call daily.
Summary: Scam calls are widespread in the UK, with older adults among the most targeted and affected by fraudsters using trusted landline communication.
What Are the Psychological Effects of Constant Scam Calls?
The effects go far beyond annoyance. Continuous exposure to scam calls can cause:
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Anxiety and hypervigilance: The phone becomes a source of fear rather than connection.
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Loss of trust: Victims may become suspicious even of legitimate callers.
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Social withdrawal: Some older adults stop answering calls altogether, leading to loneliness.
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Embarrassment and guilt: Those who fall victim may feel ashamed, even though they were deceived.
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Sleep problems and stress: Persistent worry can affect overall wellbeing.
Example: A widowed pensioner from Leeds told Age UK she began unplugging her landline at night because she “couldn’t bear one more call from fake banks.”
Summary: Constant scam calls lead to anxiety, mistrust, loneliness, and emotional distress—especially among vulnerable individuals.
How Can a Landline Call Blocker Help Reduce Stress?
Call blockers work by automatically filtering or blocking suspicious calls, preventing scammers from ever reaching the recipient. By installing one, you:
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Reduce the volume of nuisance calls – Most blockers eliminate up to 95% of unwanted calls.
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Regain control – Users decide who can call them, restoring confidence.
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Improve mental wellbeing – Fewer scam calls mean less anxiety and more peace at home.
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Encourage social connection – People are more likely to answer calls from friends and family when they feel safe.
Devices like CPR Call Blocker are pre-programmed with thousands of known scam numbers and allow one-touch blocking of new ones.
Summary: Landline call blockers restore peace of mind by stopping scams before they reach the phone, reducing anxiety and rebuilding trust.
Practical Tips for Using Call Blockers to Protect Wellbeing
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Enable Caller ID – Essential for identifying and filtering unknown numbers.
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Use whitelist mode – Allow only trusted contacts through.
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Encourage family involvement – Adult children can help elderly relatives set up the device.
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Register with the TPS – Reduces legitimate telemarketing and highlights scams more clearly.
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Report any suspicious calls – Through Action Fraud or the ICO.
Summary: Use Caller ID, whitelist trusted numbers, involve family, register with TPS, and report scams to keep households safe.
Conclusion
Scam calls don’t just waste time—they harm wellbeing and erode confidence. By installing a landline call blocker, you can reclaim peace, protect mental health, and restore trust in everyday communication.
Explore CPR Call Blocker to protect your loved ones today.
FAQs
Q: Can scam calls really affect mental health?
A: Yes, frequent scam calls can cause stress, anxiety, and fear—especially among seniors.
Q: How do call blockers help mental wellbeing?
A: They drastically reduce unwanted calls, restoring confidence and calm at home.
Q: Are call blockers easy to install?
A: Yes, most plug directly between the wall socket and landline phone.
Q: Who should I report scam calls to in the UK?
A: Report them to Action Fraud or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
